module specification

This module examines the technology underlying current and future mobile wireless systems. It provides the essential theoretical principles and concepts encountered in the design of typical modern communications systems. Various analogue and digital modulation schemes essential for information transmission are examined, including the detrimental effect of noise in limiting system performance.

Successfully completed Level 4 or equivalent

LO1-LO3 

• Propagation of EM waves through free-space and the atmosphere. Free-space propagation model, reflection, diffraction, scattering, link budget design. Fading and multipath effects, techniques of space and frequency diversity. Doppler effect. Noise as a fundamental parameter in communication systems. Sources and characteristics of internal and external noise.

• Antennas - launching and radiation of EM waves into free space near and far field, directivity, radiation pattern and radiation resistance, concepts of antenna gain, beam-width and effective aperture.

• Modulation techniques for mobile radio. Multiple Access Techniques: FDMA, TDMA and CDMA.

• Multiplexing, FDM/TDM, T1 System, PDH, synchronous/Synchronous Transmission techniques and Networks.

• Introduction to existing and emerging technologies, including 5G, IoT & UWB.

• Cellular concepts and system design fundamentals. Introduction to wireless communication: Evolution of mobile communications, mobile radio systems - examples, trends in cellular radio and personal communications. Cellular system design and relevant issues: fading, sectoring, signal power loss analysis and calculation using plane wave propagation approach, coherence bandwidth of mobile systems under different mobile environments, frequency reuse, channel assignment, hand off, interference and system capacity, tracking and grade-of-service, improving coverage and capacity in cellular systems.

LO4 

• Communications lab.

Students will be expected to carry out independent background study to familiarise themselves with the platforms and tools that will be used during the module. The module includes online learning material via Weblearn (VLE), face-to-face delivery of content, teaching/tutorial and assessment activities, student support and feedback.

LO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamentals of cellular systems, typical system architecture, related concepts and principles including transmission characteristics and techniques associated with the operation of mobile transmission and reception;

LO2 Explain the various modulation/demodulation techniques (using appropriate mathematics to prove principles) and factors that affect radio wave propagation;

LO3 Apply appropriate concepts and principles of communications engineering to analyse simple real-world problems and synthesise appropriate solutions;

LO4 Design, implement, analyse and critically evaluate wireless communication systems in small groups during laboratory sessions utilising your transferable skills and produce professional documentation with an insight to related regulatory framework and public good

Textbooks:

Louis Frenzel (2016), Principles of Electronic Communication Systems, ISBN 978-0-07-337385-0

W Tomasi (2013), Advanced Electronic Communications Systems, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292027357

J Beasley, J Hymer, G Miller (2013), Electronic Communications: A System Approach, Pearson, ISBN: 9780132988636

Young (2004), Electronic Communications Techniques, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0130482854

D C Green (2000), Radio Communication, Pearson, ISBN-10:0582369088

Miller & Beasley (2008), Modern Electronic Communication, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0132251132

Ziemer & Tranter (2014), Principles of Communications: Systems, Modulation & Noise, Wiley, ISBN 978118078914

Tomasi (2004), Electronic Communications System: Fundamentals Through Advanced, Prentice Hall ISBN: 0-13-049492-5

Schweber (2002), Electronic Communication Systems: A Complete Course, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-091621-8

Journals:

Journal of Communications and Networks

IEEE Communications Magazine

IET Communications

Websites: IEEE xplore